Spokane County lifts recreational burn ban

Spokane County outdoor recreational fire restrictions implemented on July 24 have been lifted by Spokane Metro Area Fire Marshals, according to a Spokane County press release.

Fires for the purpose of debris disposal including paper, natural vegetation, garbage remain restricted.

Chimineas, portable outdoor fireplaces, or other patio or deck warmers are allowed provided approved fuel — seasoned clean dry firewood, briquettes, propane, or natural gas — is used and other requirements are satisfied.

Other outdoor fire requirements include:

• Recreational fires may only be in designated areas on public property or on private property with owner approval.

• Fires must not exceed a fuel area of 3’ in diameter and 2’ in height and must have adequate clearance from other combustibles.

• Fires must be attended by a responsible adult, knowledgeable in the use of the fire extinguishing equipment, at all times until the fire is extinguished.

• Approved fire extinguishing equipment must be on hand and ready for use, including garden hoses, dirt, sand, buckets, shovels, or a minimum 4A rated portable fire extinguisher.

• Campfires and fire pits are required to have a minimum 25’ clearance from structures and combustibles.

• Portable outdoor fireplaces at one and two-family dwellings must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clearance, which usually includes maintaining the domed screen or other spark arresting type device in place over the fire.

• Portable outdoor fireplaces at multi-family dwellings of three or more units require a minimum 15-foot clearance from structures and combustibles.

• Fires must not present a health hazard or nuisance to others.

• Safe wind conditions cannot exceed 10 mph.

Burning may be temporarily restricted by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency due to increasing fine particle (smoke) levels and air stagnation.

Check current status at https://www.spokanecleanair.org/current-burning-conditions.

The change was effective beginning Friday morning, Sept. 20, and is due to current and future weather forecasts which call for cooler, wetter conditions, and will remain in place until weather and fire danger conditions change.

For more information on burn restrictions in Washington State visit DNR.wa.gov.